Two people have been arrested following a controversial anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St Paul, Minnesota, leading to widespread political condemnation and legal action.
Arrests Made in Connection with Church Protest
On Thursday morning, authorities took two individuals into custody in relation to a protest that occurred at Cities Church in St Paul on Sunday. The attorney general, Pam Bondi, identified the arrested persons as Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen. Charging documents were not immediately available, and the justice department has yet to comment on the case.
Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the incident in a social media post, stating, "Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP." This statement underscores the legal and ethical boundaries being enforced in response to the disruption.
Background of the Protest and Allegations
The protest at Cities Church was initiated by demonstrators who alleged that one of the pastors, David Easterwood, was serving as the acting field director of the St Paul ICE office. This accusation sparked the demonstration, which involved entering the church during a worship service and refusing to leave when asked.
Jonathan Parnell, the church's pastor, described the incident in an interview, noting, "Our church had gathered for worship, which we do every Sunday. We asked them to leave and they have not." The presence of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who livestreamed the event, added to the public visibility of the protest.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The disruption has ignited significant outrage, particularly among conservative circles and the Trump administration. Former President Donald Trump criticized Don Lemon during a White House press briefing, calling him a "loser, lightweight" and expressing respect for the pastor's calm demeanor amidst the chaos.
Trump remarked, "I saw him the way he walked in that church it was terrible. I have such respect for that pastor. He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible." This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and civil liberties in the United States.
The arrests signal a firm response to protests that target religious institutions, with potential legal consequences for those involved. As the case develops, it may influence future demonstrations and policies related to immigration and public order.
